Belle Isle Casino Reopens After $7.3M Facelift

The Belle Isle Casino, a cherished venue for private events in Detroit, has celebrated its grand reopening following an extensive $7.3 million renovation. The Renaissance Revival-style building, which first welcomed guests in 1908, has undergone significant restoration.

Key upgrades include a completely restored roof, enhanced outdoor porch accessibility compliant with ADA standards, and the installation of a new elevator and air conditioning system. Renovations, which began in 2020, concluded recently, allowing the building to host events again after being closed since 2023.

Although named a casino, the building never hosted gambling. The current structure debuted in May 1908, replacing an earlier version. The public can now book the facility for events, with rental rates beginning at $1,900 for eight hours, plus a $500 refundable security deposit. The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests, with events concluding by 9:00 p.m.

Bookings for upcoming months are already filling rapidly, with many weddings scheduled for September. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which manages Belle Isle, is seeking a third-party vendor to help operate the casino, with its availability beyond September 30 pending the outcome of this process.